Everything You Need To Know About Fungal Acne

Acne is considered the most common skin condition in the United States. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that some 50 million Americans from adolescence through adulthood deal with breakouts every year. Anyone who has experienced acne knows that not all pimples are created equal, and it can be difficult to know exactly what subtype of the condition you are dealing with. For instance, is your acne bacterial or fungal in nature? Since treatment protocols differ by type, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the difference between the two.

What Is Fungal Acne?

More often than not, conversations about acne are focused on acne vulgaris, which involves the blockage and/or inflammation of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. “Traditional acne is often associated with cutibacterium acnes and is often related to other factors as well including increased oil production, clogged pores, and inflammation,” explains Marisa Garshick, MD, a board certified dermatologist in New York City. “In some cases, it can also result from hormonal changes.”

But not all acne patients are diagnosed with acne vulgaris. Fungal acne is another subtype. Also known as pityrosporum folliculitis or malassezia folliculitis, fungal acne specifically impacts the hair follicle. “Pityrosporum folliculitis is due to the overgrowth of a normal yeast that lives on the skin, known as malassezia, that can lead to inflammation of the hair follicle,” Dr. Garshick says.

It should be noted that the yeast responsible for fungal acne is always present on your skin, says Snehal Amin, MD, a board certified dermatologist in NYC. Under normal circumstances, the body is usually able to balance the yeast, but overgrowth can occur leading to the acne-like symptoms. “These breakouts are often triggered by low immunity, high sugar levels, or recent antibiotic treatment,” he explains. “Long-term steroid use can also cause fungal acne.” Warm, humid environments and trapped moisture can both disrupt the balance of bacteria and fungi on the skin.

How to Diagnose Fungal Acne

Acne vulgaris presents as non-inflammatory lesions (comedonal whiteheads and blackheads), inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules, cysts, and nodules), or a mixture of both. In the majority of cases, it is most commonly found on the face, back, and chest. While it’s easy to confuse the two, there are some key differences to keep an eye out for when it comes to identifying fungal acne:

• Type of Breakout: Fungal acne is generally characterized by small, pus-filled whiteheads or pimples that present in clusters on the skin.
• Size of Bumps: Unlike bacterial breakouts, the bumps tend to be similarly sized.
• Areas Affected: Fungal acne is most commonly found on the back, arms, and chest, though it may also present on the face.
• How It Feels: While bacterial acne can be painful, fungal acne is often itchy.

Dermatologists diagnose fungal acne by studying the area(s) of concern. “While the diagnosis may be made clinically during a routine dermatology examination, sometimes a scraping, biopsy, or culture may be taken to confirm the diagnosis,” Dr. Garshick says. Fungal acne does not usually respond to traditional acne treatments, so sharing a list of products or remedies you have previously tried to treat the bumps with may help your doctor hone in on the cause.

How to Treat Fungal Acne

While your typical acne-fighting arsenal may not be as effective in clearing up fungal breakouts, there are still a wide-range of at-home and in-office solutions available. Below, Dr. Amin and Dr. Garshick share their go-to fungal acne treatments — and even how to deal with a last-minute pimple emergency!

1. Topical Skincare

In place of the retinoids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide used to treat bacterial breakouts, skincare routines for fungal acne usually involve antifungal ingredients such as ketoconazole or selenium sulfide. Creams, gels, and even medicated shampoos featuring the actives can all have a clarifying effect, Dr. Garshick notes.

From there, Dr. Amin says it’s best to keep the rest of your topical regimen simple until the breakout clears. “An inexpensive moisturizer made specifically for the face, such as CeraVe or Neutrogena, is good to help the skin heal,” he says. “During an outbreak, it is best to avoid unnecessary sunscreens, makeup, and so forth.”

2. Oral Medication

In cases where topical treatments aren’t enough, oral antifungal medication may be necessary. These medications work by either preventing the fungus cells from growing or by killing the fungus that is already present. Your dermatologist will be able to prescribe these treatments as needed, in addition to developing a more holistic plan to prevent future fungal breakouts.

3. Cortisone Injections

“There is no overnight cure for acne,” Dr. Amin laments. But that’s not to say your dermatologist can’t help you out in a pinch. If a pimple pops up at the last minute before a big event, he says to reach out to your provider. “Sometimes, just reducing the inflammation around a pimple restores the bacterial and fungal balance,” Dr. Amin explains. “That’s what a cortisone shot from your dermatologist can do without antibiotics or antifungals.”

Patient Perspective

No matter what type of acne you have, the trial and error of the treatment process can be trying. Sascha is a patient who experienced fungal acne for years before finally finding a solution that worked for them with the help of a dermatologist. Here, they share their experience of getting the correct diagnosis and working out a skincare routine that was able to clear up their breakouts.

The Takeaway

Fungal acne may bear some similarities to acne vulgaris, but the cause of the two skin conditions is very different. As such, traditional acne treatments (like over-the-counter skincare) will likely not be effective. Consulting with a board certified dermatologist is the best way to diagnose fungal acne, and they will be able to develop a treatment plan that will have you back on your way to clearer skin.

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